The Alexander J. Szerenyi Award is open to members of Cruisers Sports who meet ALL of the following criteria: Individuals, who are or will be attending a Post-Secondary Educational Institution in Canada and who have a physical disability.
NOW IN ITS 9th YEAR!
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In 1995, my wife Sue & I adopted our son Charles. Charles,who has cerebral palsy, was eleven and was determined to become an athlete. Through Erinoak, we heard about the Cruisers and it wasn’t long before he started sledge hockey. After a few years, the existing coaches were moving with their kids to the next level, so they approached me to take on the task of coaching the Junior Cruisers. Charles went on to intermediate the following year, but I remained with the juniors for the next eleven years.
From my fourteen years of coaching, I take with me many memories, some joyful, some proud and some humbling. Some of the highlights include watching a player score his / her first goal, watching the reactions of the players when they were named “player of the game”, or receiving the honour of “captain” or “assistant captain”, watching the player grow, develop and mature not only athletically but personally, working with the other parents, experiencing the camaraderie of players and families at tournaments and finally, watching players I had the privilege of coaching being selected for the Canadian National Sledge Hockey Team.
In 2013, I decided to step away from coaching to allow others to experience the rewards of coaching. It has always been my belief that Cruisers Sports was set up for not only athletes to participate in sports, but also to enhance life experiences, recognize the importance of team play and for personal development.
Over the years I’ve been supportive of the Cruisers fund raising. I’ve been involved with the golf tournament each year along with many of my friends. When I decided to retire from coaching, I wanted to in some way remain connected. So, in consulting my close friends and family, a scholarship was suggested.
Personally, I grew up in Toronto always involved in sports, concentrating my efforts on baseball, basketball and golf. I graduated from York University with a BA in Economics and then worked for the TD Bank for twenty-five years. I also have a diploma from St. Francis Xavier University in Adult Education. In 2000, I decided to pursue my own passion, I formed my company Sandor Training & Performance Inc. In my business, I focus on leadership, sales and coaching workshops for corporations. I have facilitated in Canada, United States, Europe and South America. Along with my wife Sue, we enjoy traveling, doing some volunteer work and spending time with our grandson. I still play golf......often.
I am a coach in my business and my personal life. I love coaching and following the development of people. That is why I set up this scholarship to continue to support the development of Cruisers athletes.
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